Paramount+ is gearing up to transport viewers to the Scottish Highlands.
The streamer has greenlit the series Laird, a family drama starring and executive produced by Kenneth Branagh, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The series will follow a local estate owner, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh), who challenges the ambitions of an American billionaire intent on buying up large swaths of the glens.
MobLand showrunner and The Agency co-creator Jez Butterworth created the project alongside his brother, The Agency co-creator and Edge of Tomorrow screenwriter John-Henry Butterworth, as well as The 100 producer Georgia Lee. The series will be produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.
“At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” Paramount+ head of originals Jane Wiseman said in a statement. “There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with Kenneth Branagh leading the series, and an equally remarkable creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch.”
Branagh is executive producing along with David Glasser, Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch and Keith Cox. Joe Wright, the helmer of Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour, will direct the pilot.
“Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” Paramount Television Studios president Matt Thunell said in a statement. “With Kenneth Branagh starring and Joe Wright directing, this is a singular creative team, and we are thrilled to once again partner with 101 Studios to bring this series to Paramount+.”
It’s the latest high-profile greenlight for a drama from the new management team at Paramount+. Over the last year, the streamer’s executives have also ordered the legal drama Discretion starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, the true crime adaptation Fear Not with Anne Hathaway and the 9/11 first responders drama 9/12 with Jeremy Strong.
Branagh is represented by WME, Berwick & Kovacik and Gochman Law Group.
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